When the pipes are blocked, you know it’s time to call a plumber. However when the water pressure dips, it becomes a different ball game. We are going to looking into possible causes of low water pressure and the remedies.

Main Valve is Halfway Open

After checking whether your neighbors have the same issue and it’s only your home then it’s time to check your pipes and valves. Gold Coast Plumbing advises you first locate where the valve is and mostly it’s inside your home. Unless you had handled the valve before maybe during repairs then proceed. The handle used to open and close the valve is operated the same way with the hose. Turn it counterclockwise and make sure it reaches the end. For lever handles turn it till it is parallel with the pipe. If it’s not fully open the pressure definitely drops.

Faulty Pressure Regulator

The plumbing system in some homes is not equipped with a pressure regulator, hence this solution will not be suitable. If your home has a regulator then check if it’s faulty and hence not getting an accurate reading. The hose spigot closely adjacent to the regulator should have a gauge attached to it. When you turn on the tap, the pressure on the gauge plus the one on the pressure regulator should be similar. If the readings don’t match, then the regulator which is supposed to regulate the pressure from the main line to your pipes is faulty. The regulator is letting in low pressure instead of high. Gold Cost Plumbing would come in handy in replacing the regulator.

Clogging of Pipes

Not only do clogs build up in drainage systems, they also form in the clean water pipes. The clogs can be big enough to reduce the water pressure. Though it may seem easy to use chemicals to flush out the clog, it’s not advisable to mix chemicals in your drinking water. Get a qualified expert from a reputable plumbing company like Gold Coast Plumbing to clean up the clog.

Corrosion of Pipes

Do you know how old the piping system is and what the pipes are made of? Corrosion in steel pipes starts from 20 years, while copper and brass last for more than 50years. Older houses in most cases have steel pipes while modern houses have pipes that will last for years before corrosion sets in. Gold Coast Plumbing advises if your pipes are made of steel and they are past 20 years, then the whole house should be re-piped. Remember, it’s not possible to see corrosion from the surface. If you cannot tell how old your plumbing system is, then it is important to find out from the city authorities or the previous owners.

Shared Pipes.

Though this is never the best news to hear as a home owner, shared pipes is common in some areas. What this means is that the water comes from the main line then it’s distributed or shared between two homes. Changing the pipeline would solve the inconvenience of the inadequate pressure. However, Gold Coast Plumbing advises you do due diligence when choosing a plumber. Make sure there are no hidden charges.